Vernon, NY – Digging For Gold, with driver Ron Harp, captured the $8,500 Open Pace at Vernon Downs on Saturday (Nov. 14).
Mullinax (driven by Chris Long) took the early lead but Digging For Gold went by just before hitting the quarter first in :27.3. He used a :29 second quarter to be first to the half in :56.3. Red Blooded (John MacDonald) came flying by heading to the final turn and led to three-quarters in 1:24.
As they reached the stretch, Digging For Gold reclaimed the lead. Second-place finisher Mullinax and third-place finisher Prairie Rocknroll (Aaron Byron) came charging late but Digging For Gold was too strong and won in 1:52.3 in the slop.
Digging For Gold is the 2026 Pacer of the Year. The 4-year-old gelding by Huntsville had six Open Pace wins and a third in seven starts. He is owned by Big Sky Ranch and trained by Harp.
The 2026 Trotter of the Year went to City Of Hope. The 6-year-old gelding by Met’s Hall has won the featured trot five times (including Saturday) in just eight starts, with a second, a third, and a fourth-place finish. He is owned by Philip Hale and trainer David Dewhurst.
Leon Bailey (a grand slam Saturday) secured his third straight driver’s dash title and his fifth all time. He was first with 143 wins. Chris Long was second with 122 victories. Jimmy Whittemore (58), John MacDonald (50), and Jacquavyian Carter (40) round out the top five.
Dewhurst won the trainer title with 42 wins. Gary Gibson and Michelle Warner tied for second with 39 tallies. Jessica Okusko (34) and John MacDonald (33) rounded out the top five.
Vernon Downs wants to thank all employees, horsepeople, and fans for the great 2026 season. See you in 2027!